In the largest pest-eradication operation yet undertaken in New Zealand, 11,300 ha Campbell Island was blitzed with rat poison in the winter of 2001. Helicopters, such as this Jet Ranger, buzzing cliffs in the south-west corner of the island, were vital in achieving saturation coverage of the rugged nature reserve. Although the outcome won’t be known until 2003, conservation managers have high hopes New Zealand’s southernmost island is finally rat-free. Project leader Pete McClelland and logistics adviser/photo­grapher Pete Tyree, both of DoC Southland, report on the campaign.